The Quesnel Board of Education announced its plans for a balanced budget for the 2020/21 fiscal year at its May 20 regular board meeting.

The annual budget bylaw was set at $41,164,102.

“The end of this year has proven to be unprecedented and budgeting for next year is challenging,” said School District 28 Superintendent of Schools Sue-Ellen Miller. “We have budgeted for a normal return to school next year with additional costs for COVID-19 related to staffing, custodial and cleaning supplies.”

Before the consideration of requests, SD 28 said it anticipates an operating surplus of $75,164 for the 2020/21 school year.

“This was after the reversal of the one-time surplus expenditure plan implemented for the 2019/20 school year and budget adjustments for staffing and supply changes,” Miller said. “Additional costs have also been added relating to provincially negotiated wage increases for both union groups.”

In deciding its plans the board solicited feedback and ideas from partner groups, the Quesnel District Teachers Association, CUPE 4990 and the Quesnel Principals and Vice Principals Association on how best to invest dollars for the upcoming year.